Red accents have been a part of the UConn Color scheme for nearly 25 years. Official colors are National Flag Blue and White, which are two of the three colors on the American Flag. I think it is only fitting that red be used in some piping and accents.
I'm not crazy about the red face mask, but the new look football uniforms seem like a cross between the Patriots and Giants schemes and could serve to strengthen a Northeast brand across the nation. There is nothing wrong with being associated with New York (#1 media market in the country), and New England (Consistent winners). The argument over the colors is just white noise. Watch how fast the new Uniforms "grow on people" when UConn starts winning with them.
It's the same argument that occurred in 1998 with changing of the school seal. A few old crotchety alumni claimed they went to the University of Connecticut not the University of Oak. It just doesn't move the needle.